Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield offered a measured response when asked about his relationship with Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski ahead of their Week 8 meeting on Sunday. The two previously worked together with the Cleveland Browns before Mayfield's departure in 2021.
Mayfield, selected first overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, spent the 2020 and 2021 seasons playing under Stefanski in Cleveland. Their first season together produced an 11-5 record and the Browns' first playoff win since 1994. Stefanski also earned NFL Coach of the Year honors that year.
However, their partnership deteriorated during the 2021 campaign. Mayfield played through multiple injuries as Cleveland finished 8-9. The Browns' subsequent pursuit of quarterback Deshaun Watson led Mayfield to request a trade, ending his time with the franchise.
When asked Wednesday whether he had spoken to Stefanski since their time together in Cleveland, Mayfield replied:
“No, I haven't spoken to him since 2021.”
He also faced a question about whether the circumstances surrounding his departure continued to bother him. Mayfield dismissed the suggestion with another short answer:
“Nah, I'm doing alright.”
Article Continues Below#Bucs QB Baker Mayfield answers if he’s talked to #Falcons HC Kevin Stefanski yet since the comments he made about him and if it still eats at him a little bit.
“Nah, I’m good.” pic.twitter.com/RRyyfdT6AL
— PewterReport 🏴☠️ (@PewterReport) October 28, 2026
The 31-year-old previously made comments about Stefanski after the coach's hiring in January, although he walked back those remarks a month later. The upcoming matchup will provide another opportunity for Mayfield to face his former coach, who is now leading Atlanta.
The Falcons have held the advantage in their previous meetings, winning four of six games against Tampa Bay with Mayfield at quarterback. Atlanta also enters the contest after forcing four turnovers in its victory over the San Francisco 49ers. The defense recorded a plus-three turnover margin across its last two trips to Raymond James Stadium, helping the Falcons secure two wins.
Ball security will be important for Mayfield as the Buccaneers attempt to reverse that trend. They are also seeking their first home win of the season after opening with an 0-4 record on their own field.
Mayfield previously faced Stefanski-coached Browns while playing for the Carolina Panthers, but he came up short in that meeting.